Germany requests $3.5 billion in air-defense missiles, US approves potential sale
Photo: launch of an SM-6 missile, the type Germany intends to purchase from the US (wikipedia.org)
The Trump administration has approved a possible $3.5 billion sale of air-defense missiles to Germany as Berlin works to strengthen its military capabilities, according to Bloomberg.
According to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Berlin has requested the purchase of:
-
173 Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles
-
577 Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC missiles, both produced by RTX
-
and accompanying equipment.
"This sale will help Germany respond to current and future threats by providing integrated air and missile defense capabilities deployable from their future Aegis Weapon System equipped F127 class surface combatants," the DSCA statement said.
The agency added that the acquisition would also enhance Germany’s ability to operate jointly with US forces and other allies.
Bloomberg notes that the German government and defense contractors producing the systems still need to negotiate the final contract terms. In addition, the US Congress could still block the sale.
The outlet also reported that US officials are urging NATO members to take on greater responsibility for continental defense, including supplying weapons to Ukraine.
In October, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told allies in Brussels that a strong Europe is needed to deter further Russian aggression.
NATO allies agreed in June to increase overall defense spending to 5% of GDP, including 3.5% for "hard defense."
Germany's military buildup
Recently, Germany’s ruling coalition agreed on a long-discussed reform of military service. Under the reform, starting 1 January 2026, all men will be required to register for potential service.
Military service would remain voluntary as long as enough men choose to join voluntarily.
